J.Mike's Missives

The ultimate goal is the playoffs, but this week’s target is to avoid a bona fide losing streak.

The Atlanta Falcons entered last week’s game against New Orleans having never lost back-to-back games in Mike Smith’s tenure as head coach. But, at the hands of the Saints, the Birds lost for the second time in two weeks.

Three in a row would put the team in some bad company — .500 at the halfway point with ground to make up.

The Falcons were 4-3 at this point last season as well but no time like the present (or a game against a 2-5 team with struggles on offense and the front office) to get back on track.

Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) talked about this and other topics in a new edition of Falconcast.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALCONS-REDSKINS PREVIEW

While the Falcons match up well on paper with the Redskins — a team that hasn’t scored more than 17 points and fumbled 20 times — games at the Georgia Dome are played on turf.

Washington has the league’s fifth-best scoring defense and, while the record may not show it, the Redskins have been in games. All the team’s losses have come by 10 points or less.

Some things to keep in mind when you take a look at this week’s Keys to the Game:

• Attack the Redskins defense. There are Pro Bowlers at key Redskins positions. There are big names at others. That’s no reason to abandon the running game. Running back Michael Turner rushed for 151 yards and a score last week. A good running game will soften Washington’s No. 2-ranked pass defense. Keep in mind Roddy White had a 100-yard game in New Orleans and a 200-yard game when Turner rushed for three scores in San Francisco. Balance can be achieved.
• Win the special teams battle. You’ve probably heard of DeAngelo Hall, Sanrana Moss and Antwaan Randle El. They have one thing in common. They’re all listed on the depth chart as punt returners.
• Keep the intensity. Last season when the Falcons scored first the team went 11-1. This season, the record is 2-3. The only way that happens is if, like Smith said, the effort lacks after the opening minutes. Keep up the pressure on offense and defense — Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell has been sacked 20 times — and you avoid a third-straight loss.

MORE FALCONS-REDSKINS COVERAGE:

• GAMEDAY LIVE: More coverage in this special section of AtlantaFalcons.com
• GAME PREVIEW: More thoughts on the game from AF.com’s John Manasso
• GAME NOTES: Stats, fun facts and jersey information for Falcons-Redskins
• WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Some things you may not have known about this matchup
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts on the game from the AF.com Managing Editor
• INJURY REPORT: Click here for the Piedmont Healthcare Injury Report
• GAME INFO: Pregame festivities and halftime entertainment information
• EXPERT’S TAKE: Trotter’s thoughts on the Falcons, NFL after eight weeks

J. Michael Moore Falconcast Antwaan Randle El, DeAngelo Hall, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Campbell, Matt Moore, Michael Turner, New Orleans Saints, Roddy White, Santana Moss, Washington Redskins

After more than two NFL seasons of full-time blogging I’m running out of things to say. Shocking, huh?

So, for today’s edition of the Friday Pep Talk, I’m going with a clip so short and easy a caveman can understand it.

If this is, as Dwight Schrute says, “the most inspiring thing” he’s ever heard we can rest assured nothing will ever go wrong on The Office. Luckily for the Falcons, sitcom television has no bearings on football (episodes get moved for the Super Bowl, remember)?

As the Falcons prepare to face the 2-5 Washington Redskins, we’re reminded that no team can be overlooked on an NFL schedule. Of course, “not being an idiot” is sometimes easier said than done.

But with the right amount of focus mixed with a dash of frustration from back-to-back losses the Falcons can do the same thing they did when faced with a 4-3 record in 2008 — win.

Atlanta won seven of it’s last nine games last season to secure a playoff spot.

A victory Sunday won’t be easy. The Redskins have a top-10 defense and, at least when it comes to sound byes, a chippy personality the Falcons tend to answer on the field.

I look for the Falcons to come out with the necessary motivation because, for 24 games, Head Coach Mike Smith’s team didn’t lose back-to-back contests.

Three in a row seems unlikely.

Just don’t Schrute it.

Redskins defense an area of Falcons focus, AF.com
With a defense as good as the Redskins’, where would the team be with an offense that scored more than 13 points per game?

Falcons version of “Saving Private Ryan,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I forgot Terry Robiskie was once a Redskins interim head coach. Blast from the past.

Turner taps into his old mind-set, The Augusta Chronicle
Watching film doesn’t have to be about the opponent.

What to Watch for in Week 9, AF.com
Last year the Falcons won ball games by dominating in the first quarter. Could struggles in the second quarter be a sign of a struggle in 2009?

Falcons-Redskins sold out, no blackout, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Blackouts aren’t a thing of the past in the NFL. But Falcons fans take note. This isn’t 2007 or the start of 2008. The Falcons have announced their presence on the national scene.

I Think I Remember This Guy, J. Mike’s Missives
A little self-promotion never hurt anyone.

Falcons CB Tye Hill hopes to contribute more, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For more on Hill, who got his first start as a Falcon last week, watch…

Redskins’ tackle job may be left to Jones, The Washington Times
On a team built around an All-Pro running back and ball-control passing game (not to mention a good defense), injuries at offensive line aren’t an option.

‘Misunderstood’ Hall in midst of an overhaul, The Washington Post
This is a story line that changes by the day. Good thing kickoff isn’t far away.

Blache passionately defends Redskins owner Snyder from criticism, NFL.com
Speaking of story lines… I think Michael Jenkins said it best this week when he told reporters the Falcons can’t concern themselves about what goes on in an opponents’ front office. Words to live by.

Matty Ice mired in a bit of a slump, Yahoo Sports
Plenty of football left. Interceptions get added to the stat sheet at some point or another. Maybe Matt Ryan’s come in clumps.

Haynesworth calls out Clabo, Dahl on radio show, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Again with the talk! We got comments from Tyson Clabo, too, if you’re interested…

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Albert Haynesworth, DeAngelo Hall, Dwight Schrute, Friday Pep Talk, Harvey Dahl, Head Coach Mike Smith, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Michael Turner, NFL.com, Terry Robiskie, The Augusta Chronicle, The Office, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, Tye Hill, Tyson Clabo, Washington Redskins, Yahoo Sports

The Falcons aren’t dwelling on a tough loss at New Orleans for two reasons:

It’s not good to get caught in the past and — more simply — there’s no time to be upset.

Playing on Monday Night Football has its pros when it comes to national attention and spotlight. But it’s a problem for resting and focusing on the next opponent.

The Falcons Thursday practice was the first of the week in preparing for the Washington Redskins. Friday will be a combination Thursday/Friday practice and Saturday will feature a light, day-before-game workout.

Though peppered with questions about Monday’s division loss in the Big Easy, Falcons players and coaches focused their attention on the next opponent.

“The vibe in the locker room is always different after a loss than it is after a win,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “But from my end it’s always about staying the course — continuing to do the same things week-in and week-out (and) trusting your preparation.”

Ryan threw three interceptions against the Saints and has fielded questions for multiple weeks about the state of the offense, which got Michael Turner back over 100 yards rushing last week but has fought a turnover bug of late.

“You have to be more judicious with the football (and) make better decisions,” Ryan said. “It’s something I ‘m working on (but) you don’t want to lose that sense of aggressiveness; you have to go out there and make some plays.”

Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez, whose three touchdowns have come at home, said the Falcons must be concerned about a letdown against the 2-5 Redskins, but it’s tough to completely overlook an opponent in professional football.

“Sometimes guys will look at the other team’s record and relax a little bit,” Gonzalez said. “I don’t expect that will happen to us. Our coaching staff is too good to let us go out there and relax… It’s important we don’t take any team lightly.”

WORDS FROM THE HEAD COACH

According to Head Coach Mike Smith, running back Jerious Norwood (hip) worked on a side field with trainers on Thursday while reserve running back Jason Snelling (hamstring) was limited in practice.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PIEDMONT HEALTHCARE INJURY REPORT

Injuries forced the Falcons into some game-week roster moves, but Smith likes the players the team brought in.

Wednesday night the Falcons announced the signing of Charlie Peprah to take the place of Jamaal Fudge (injured reserve). Thursday the team put long snapper Mike Schneck on IR (broken ribs), but filled the spot with Bryan Pittman, a veteran of 92 NFL games.

“He’s done it in the NFL,” Smith said of Pittman. “He’s an experienced guy so we don’t anticipate they’ll be any problem.

“Charlie Peprah started in this league. In fact, he actually was a starter when we played Green Bay last year so we have some familiarity with him… He was also a good special teams player for the Packers last season.”

Peprah could get some time on defense, but likely will get his snaps on special teams.

Defensively, the Falcons have to keep an eye on Pro Bowl running back Clinton Portis and wide receiver Santana Moss, though Smith said the Redskins have not been as explosive down field in recent weeks.

Quarterback Jason Campbell has completed 66 percent of his passes but has been sacked 20 times (10 fumbles).

“They’re going to take their shots so we have to do a good job with their receivers,” cornerback Tye Hill said. “(We have to) try to manage the game well and tackle Clinton Portis, he’s still a good, Pro-Bowl caliber back.”

J. Michael Moore News Brian Pittman, Charlie Peprah, Clinton Portis, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jamaal Fudge, Jason Campbell, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Mike Schneck, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, Santana Moss, Tony Gonzaelz, Tye Hill, video, Washington Redskins

We all have moments when the past accelerates itself into the present. Moments when subtle reminders ignite flames of memory that haven’t burned in years.

Sept. 10, 2004 wasn’t that long ago but so much has changed since the time I, at the time an intern with HoustonTexans.com, published an article on long snapper Bryan Pittman.

On Sept. 10, 2004 I wasn’t engaged, had school to finish, no leads on a full-time job and no mortgage. The Texas were about to start a 7-9 season that included a surprising 4-2 finish in the AFC South. The Falcons were about to begin a March to the NFC Championship Game.

Little more than five years later…

The Falcons have signed Bryan Pittman as a long snapper to take the spot of Mike Schneck (injured reserve). The Texans still haven’t made the playoffs. I’m married with a house note.

Pittman now has 92 games experience and a string of 598-straight error-less snaps. The carer history I chronicled back in 2004, however, hasn’t changed.

An undrafted player, Pittman started his football career as a defensive lineman. He moved to tight end in college and started long snapping. After stops in a couple NFL cities, he became the Texans long snapper in 2003.

It’s a job that requires repetition and focus.

Not unlike life.

“One snap at a time.”

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Bryan Pittman, Houston Texans, injury, Mike Schneck

It seems like a month since the Falcons last played in the Georgia Dome. In fact, the span between an Oct. 18 victory over the Chicago Bears and Sunday’s game against the Redskins is exactly 21 days.

And the road games between weren’t too kind to the Falcons.

In a blink the Falcons went from 4-1 to 4-3 but let’s remember after seven games in 2008 the Falcons were also 4-3. The team went on to win seven of it’s last nine games, including three straight to close out the season. The rest of the 2009 schedule looks favorable with just three teams carrying records above .500.

But first things first.

Sunday’s game at the Georgia Dome will be seen by much of the Southeast (see map). The broadcast crew of Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa represent FOX’s No. 2 group, a nod to the history of the Redskins franchise and the up-and-coming nature of the Atlanta Falcons.

Here are the rest of the distribution maps for Week 9:

• Sunday Games on CBS (Early)
• Sunday Games on CBS (Late)
• Sunday Games on FOX (Early)

ADDITIONAL NOTES ON WEEK 9 TELEVISION…

… The Patriots are beatable and I’m not sold on the Dolphins being a bad team. Most of the nation will see this rivalry game and it should be a good one. The early game of the week on CBS, however, could be Baltimore at Cincinnati. As Jim Trotter pointed out in this week’s Expert’s Take, the AFC North is home to three division contenders.

… Another cross-country trip for the San Diego Chargers, this time to The Meadowlands to face the Giants. This is an interesting cross-conference matchup that could provide clues on slowing the Chargers passing game and disrupting the Giants offense.

… If you live West of the Mississippi, chances are you get the Bears and Cardinals. FYI… The Bears are still who the Cardinals thought they were.

J. Michael Moore Gameday AFC North, Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, CBS, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Daryl Johnston, distribution maps, FOX, Georgia Dome, Jim Trotter, Kenny Albert, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Giants, San Diego Chargers, The Meadowlands, Tony Siragusa, Washington Redskins

The Falcons injury situation in the secondary took a turn for the worse Wednesday as the team placed recently re-signed safety Jamaal Fudge on injured reserve.

In his place, Atlanta brought in four-year veteran safety Charlie Peprah.

Fudge, who was with the team in 2008 and the preseason, was re-signed on Oct. 20 after the team placed starting cornerback Brian Williams on injured reserve. The team also lost second-round pick safety William Moore (hamstring) for the season last week.

Thomas DeCoud and Erik Coleman have started every game at safety in 2009 but injury concerns have hit the reserve unit hard with Moore and Antoine Harris, who returned to the lineup last week after missing four games with a knee injury.Wor

Peprah, 5-11, 203 pounds, spent the past three seasons with the Green Bay Packers (2006-08). He was released by the Packers following training camp this season.

In 37 career games (one start), the Alabama graduate has totaled 21 tackles (10 solo) and forced two fumbles on special teams in 2007.

At Alabama, Peprah played in 50 games (45 starts) at multiple positions in the secondary. He finished his career with 210 tackles, nine interceptions, five fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles and 24 passes defensed. He was a first-team All American (The NFL Draft Report) as a senior.

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Antoine Harris, Brian Williams, Charlie Peprah, Erik Coleman, Green Bay Packers, injury, Thomas DeCoud, William Moore

If you’ve taken a look at the updated Piedmont Healthcare Injury Report, don’t be alarmed.

Because of Monday Night Football (loss at New Orleans), the Falcons altered preparation for the Redskins and Wednesday was an off day in Flowery Branch. However, the NFL requires an injury report be issued on Wednesday for teams playing on Sunday.

Thus, the Falcons injury report reflects the status of players as if the team practiced. Keep in mind the Birds are not quite two full days removed from a game. Normally, Monday and Tuesday are good for recovery and practice availability increases.

The Falcons return to the practice field on Thursday and we’ll have interviews and other features on AF.com.

J. Michael Moore News, injury injury, Monday Night Football, Washington Redskins

No, that’s not a photo of Christopher Owens.

That’s a previous Falcons No. 21 that went to two Pro Bowls as a shutdown corner.

You probably don’t need a guess but, if you took one, here’s the answer: DeAngelo Hall.

Hall, now a member of the Washington Redskins returns to the Georgia Dome for the first time since being traded to Oakland prior to the 2008 NFL Draft. He was released by the Raiders before the end of that season and signed with the Redskins.

He currently has 33 tackles, five passes defensed and three interceptions on a 2-5 team.

“No matter what happens on the other side of the ball or special teams, we can’t control that… If we have 50 plays or 80 plays it doesn’t matter; we have to be out there giving it our all,” Hall said Wednesdaay in a conference call with Atlanta media.

CLICK HERE FOR THE AUDIO AND OTHER MULTIMEDIA

Hall, who was one of the more outspoken players in the Falcons locker room during the brief Bobby Petrino era (2007) said he has no regrets. While he said time in Atlanta under Head Coach Mike Smith would “probably have worked out,” he’s happy with how his career has settled and rebounded.

“Would I change anything? Probably not. It’s made me a better person, a better father, a better player. I would do everything exactly the same. Even the debacle in Oakland, I wouldn’t change that because it wouldn’t have humbled me the way I am now and got me back as hungry as I am.”

Hall has emerged as a leader on a Redskins defense that’s carrying more of its share.

Washington’s offense has struggled but the defense ranks fifth in the NFL allowing just 17.6 points per game. The group is No. 2 against the pass, allowing 164.9 yards through the air.

Hall said he can’t wait to line up against Roddy White and keep an eye on Matt Ryan, who he classifies as one of the best young quarterbacks in the league. Hall said he’s also sent text messages to his teammates on the defensive line prepping them for how tough Atlanta’s offensive front will play.

“We’ve got a great test this week,” he said. “We’ve got a test against an Atlanta football field we feel is one of the top teams in their division.”

One thing Hall hasn’t considered is the reaction from the crowd that supported him in a Falcons uniform for the first four years of his career.

“I haven’t even thought about it,” he said. “They’re not introducing us in that stadium so it’s not like I’m going to get booed or applauded on the intro. It’s a football game that’s going to be played on Sunday, not me versus them. It’s going to be the Washington Redskins versus the Atlanta Falcons.”

J. Michael Moore News Bobby Petrino, conference call, DeAngelo Hall, Matt Ryan, Oakland Raiders, Roddy White, Washington Redskins

For the second-straight week the Falcons put together flashes of success on the field only to fizzle at key moments in the game.

Head Coach Mike Smith did not hesitate when he talked to the media Tuesday — a little more than 12 hours after losing to the New Orleans Saints — about the team’s need for consistency.

“Looking at the tape I thought there were some good things and some things we did OK but there are some things we need to get corrected,” the second-year coach said, referring to the team’s 35-27 defeat at the hands of a division rival on Monday Night Football.

“We’re not hitting on all cylinders for 60 minutes and I think that’s the thing that’s evident over the last couple weeks. We’re not sustaining our level of play through the entire game… Not to make excuses, but — and this is not just on the offensive side of the ball, this is all three phases — we’re not sustaining the level of play to get the outcome we want.”

The coach said players and coaches alike must identify the issue and look to correct it before losses pile up on the team’s 4-3 record.

“We’re all responsible for the outcomes,” he said.

OTHER NOTES FROM THE MONDAY PRESSER…

… Smith listed several positives from the game, including running back Michael Turner’s season-high 151 rushing yards. Turner had been struggling to put together a dominant game.

“It’s something we’ve been working on and trying to tweak and get going,” Smith said. “I think one of the biggest differences was Michael really running hard and down hill.”

Smith said the coaching staff added some new looks in run formations but a lot of the praise went to Turner, who took time to review tape of some of his big runs from a Pro Bowl season in 2008 prior to taking the field in New Orleans.

The head coach did not offer an injury update on running backs Jerious Norwood (hip) and Jason Snelling (hamstring), who were inactive for the game.

… Veteran kicker Jason Elam missed a pair of field goals Monday night, leading to questions about the position from the Atlanta media.

“Jason did not kick the ball like we’re accustom to seeing him kick the ball,” Smith said. “That’s something we’ll always be evaluating. We always have a backup plan in place already in terms of who would be our backup kicker. (Punter) Michael (Koenen) has done that in the past, but that’s something we’re always evaluating.”

… Cornerback Tye Hill, acquired in a trade just before the regular season, officially got the start at one of the cornerback slots Monday night but Smith said more changes could be in store as the team finds the right combination to replace Brian Williams.

Smith said Hill was consistent against the run and the pass, but added Brent Grimes and perhaps rookie Christopher Owens could see more time on defense as the season progresses.

Grimes got his first interception of the season — a leaping grab that made it into several highlight packages — Monday night.

AS FOR THE REDSKINS…

… The Falcons will return to Flowery Branch for meetings Tuesday evening before getting Wednesday off. The team is on a short week to prepare for the Washington Redskins (2-5).

“Defensively, they are very strong. I think they’re a very aggressive team. They’ve had two weeks to prepare coming off a bye week,” Smith said.

J. Michael Moore News Brent Grimes, Brian Williams, Christopher Owens, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Michael Koenen, Michael Turner, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, Tye Hill, video, Washington Redskins

I’ve decided pretty much anything I write here won’t make Falcons players, staff, coaches or fans feel better.

You don’t lose 35-27 to a division rival on Monday Night Football with so much emotion and passion on the line and wake up chipper the next morning (or, more accurately, later the same morning).

“Especially with the Saints, you know you’re going to have a tough game,” quarterback Matt Ryan said after the game.

Click here for more Falcons-Saints interviews

That about sums up why things happened in New Orleans. The Falcons expected a hard game. But it doesn’t really explain all the details and how the team will rebound from a 4-3 record on a short week and take on a struggling Redskins team.

“That’s the way the game goes sometimes… They’re going to make some plays,” Ryan said when asked about his team’s turnovers and the chances to snatch victory away from the undefeated Saints. “A credit to them; They’ve been making those kind of plays all year.”

Still too early in the season for a must-win game, but the Falcons can’t afford too many more losses if they want to keep the playoff dream alive.

“The focus now has to be getting back to work and getting ready for the Redskins,” Ryan said.

The focus will include a game plan that features the Falcons strengths. After Monday night, there are additional positives to build on including 151 rushing yards from Michael Turner, a defense that is increasingly opportunistic and crafty when pressuring the quarterback and a special teams unit that has some tricks ups its sleeve.

But let’s see what the media at large thinks…

Complete Gameday Coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com
We’ve all seen games like this. But we haven’t seen them over the last two seasons with the Falcons. I’m talking about passion. What does the rebound look like with so much left on the field in New Orleans?

Falcons can’t close the upset deal against Saints, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta certainly looked like the upstart team looking for an upset. But, as the game played out, it looked more and more like a heavyweight bout between balanced opponents.

Saints’ remaining schedule is league’s easiest, ESPN.com
Well, that’s not good news.

Crowd was part of Saints’ arsenal, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Get ready New Orleans, you have two nationally-televised games left. They happen to be against the toughest teams left on the schedule.

Saints Beat Falcons and Tie Best Start to a Season at 7-0, The New York Times
More notes from NFL Week 8 and the Saints (Version 2009) have a piece of franchise history.

These truly aren’t the Saints of old, ESPN.com
“Everything that could go wrong pretty much did — and the Saints still won.” Credit to the Saints and a lesson for the Falcons.

Saints have realistic shot at 16-0, SI.com
Plenty of eyes with the Falcons organization, mostly coaches but also everyone at home, took notes from this one. I expect a similarly intense battle next month at the Georgia Dome.

Falcons sought running back help, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Plenty of injuries going into the game, but it doesn’t look like the Falcons suffered any other major setbacks.

A night of fire from the Falcons, but not much Ice, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A few words about Ryan’s Monday night interceptions. The first was to a spot on the field that was to be occupied by a receiver, who was thrown off his route (penalty or not doesn’t matter). The second was a tipped pass (another great play by Jonathan Vilma). The third was a classic Hail Mary pick. I’m not saying there should be additional stat lines to describe interceptions, but I am saying…

Rapid Reaction: Saints 35, Falcons 27, ESPN.com
We certainly have a clearer picture of how the playoff race in the NFC South could shape up.

Former Falcon Hall still no fan of Petrino, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Is there ever a game in the NFL without a sub-story line.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, DeAngelo Hall, ESPN.com, Jonathan Vilma, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, SI.com, The New York Times, Washington Redskins